Drug addiction ‘could be genetic’, researchers say after mouse breakthrough

Drug addiction could have a genetic basis, researchers have claimed – after a mouse experiment where mutant mice became resistant to cocaine addiction.

Researchers in Canada created mice with higher levels of a protein which strengthens connections between brain cells.

The researchers found that they were resistant to cocaine addiction, even after repeated injections of the drug.

MORE: Flash-mob choir sings ‘Lean on Me’ to support shopworkers after robberies

MORE: Mum-of-two makes history with speedy solo Atlantic rowing crossing

The research builds on previous work by John Hopkins University researchers which suggests that people with genetic mutations relating to cadherin proteins are more prone to drug abuse.

Professor Shernaz Bamji, of the University of British Columbia, said, “Ideally, we would need to find a molecule that blocks formation of a memory of a drug-induced high, while not interfering with the ability to remember important things.

‘For normal learning, we need to be able to both weaken and strengthen synapses,” she said.

‘That plasticity allows for the pruning of some neural pathways and the formation of others, enabling the brain to adapt and to learn.